Sulfur-enhanced stem cell therapy for necrotizing enterocolitis in newborns
Sulfur Based Stem Cell Therapeutics in Necrotizing Enterocolitis
Testing a sulfur-boosted stem cell approach to protect the intestines of premature babies with necrotizing enterocolitis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11324535 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team will grow mesenchymal stem cells from reprogrammed cells and boost their production of beneficial sulfur compounds. They will create a near-infrared sensor to measure hydrogen sulfide in tissues and identify the signaling molecules the cells release. These modified stem cells and the new sensor will be tested in laboratory and animal models that mimic necrotizing enterocolitis to see if they reduce intestinal injury and improve blood flow. Promising results would support moving toward clinical testing in infants with NEC.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: The intended future candidates are premature newborns diagnosed with necrotizing enterocolitis, particularly those at high risk for intestinal loss or poor blood flow to the gut.
Not a fit: Healthy children, adults, or infants without NEC and patients whose bowel problems are due to other diagnoses are unlikely to benefit from this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could reduce intestinal damage, lower the need for bowel surgery, and improve survival for premature infants with NEC.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal and laboratory studies show mesenchymal stem cells can help in NEC models, but enhancing them with sulfur signaling and the new H2S probe is largely novel and untested in humans.
Where this research is happening
Indianapolis, United States
- Indiana University Indianapolis — Indianapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Markel, Troy a — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Markel, Troy a
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.